Silky white sand, rustic-chic beach shacks, a hammock gently swaying between two palm trees, turquoise sea laps at the shore…. Anantara Bophut Koh Samui Resort is the stuff that travel postcards are made of. From our luxurious pick-up to being dropped away after soaking up the magic of the tropical island life, we lived up the island life in style with the gorgeous property that is situated just 10 minutes from the Koh Samui airport.Interior impression
Stepping in, the stunning palanquin entrance satisfied my fantasy of a far-flung oriental kingdom. With its exotic Thai architecture, Zen minimalist rooms, and tranquil tropical gardens replete with palms, lily ponds, lotus flowers, and pretty Thai pavilions, the Anantara Boput is simply sublime. The resort captures the essence of Samui at the very best: coconut trees dot the grounds, monkey statues and sculptures decorate the interior, and, of course, there’s the beautiful Bophut beach.

Room experience
Among the three charming room types and an impressive five suite categories of the 106 resort rooms, we were put up at the Premier Garden View Room which is all designed in vibrant contemporary Thai style. A rich colour palette of warm earth tones and spaces filled with natural light. We loved the balcony that enabled us to feel the island’s soothing breeze and admire the glorious garden views. Our sumptuous queen size bed, we noticed was dressed in the finest linens which we had the pleasure of sinking in. A beautiful bath-tub and a fairly-sized bathroom with perfectly-cushioned amenities also deserve a mention. It all felt like stepping into a charming haven with views across stunning landscaped gardens.

The gourmet game
It’s safe to say that all this fabulousness had food to match up. I devoured many meals at Eclipse Lounge & Bar. Its façade is chic yet laid-back lounge bar with its own outdoor veranda. We relished the Goong Sarong-Tiger prawns wrapped in egg noodles with plum sauce and sweet cucumber relish and the crispy Poh Pia Pak -Vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili sauce. There was also something about Gai Hor Bai Toey-Deep fried chicken in pandan leaf that tasted downright fantastic with sweet chilli sauce.

For mains, the Osso Bucco Massaman- Southern spiced Thai curry, Coconut milk, beef shank, potatoes and peanuts left raving and craving for more. The Kao Soi Gai- perfectly-spiced Chiang Mai curry with deep fried noodles and the Phad Phak Ruam- Spring vegetables in oyster sauce still make us drool when we think about them. For dessert, what stood out for us was the warm Apple Pie with Vanilla Sauce which was party in our mouth.

Breakfast by the garden veranda was a delightful change of venue as opposed to other meals. With a plethora of options across cuisines and the freshest yoghurts that I’ve ever had, it was indeed power breakfast for us. We also enjoyed a ravishing cappuccino and some crisp fries with mayo at the Ocean’s Edge which is a relaxed lounge bar experience accompanied by contemporary chill-out music. With vistas of the inviting infinity pool and the ocean, our coffee with a view was one of the many highlights of the trip.

The ‘knotty’ issues
The harmonious, Zen-like sanctuary, designed as a garden spa is lavishly set amidst 3,100 square metres of lushly tropical greenery and is masterfully designed by the award-winning architect Bill Bensley. I discovered serenity amidst the private glass-walled treatment rooms with bamboo exterior walls set amid the lush water gardens of the resort.

A paved walkway winded its way from the resort towards an arched stone pillar wall. Stepping through this entrance into the grounds of the spa, the aromatic scent of lemongrass infused my senses, heightening my anticipation of the restorative journey ahead.

Anantara Spa’s suites, I noticed, are set within individual courtyards, with indoor treatment beds positioned to look out, through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, into your personal outdoor sanctuary. A deep, outdoor terrazzo bath designed for two and a dual alfresco ‘rain’ shower are also features of each suite. The line of products that the spa swears by is Elemis spa and aromatherapy products.

The treatment I put to test here, was the hour-long Anantara Signature Massage. The signature blend of oils, combined with purpose-designed movements stimulated circulation and promoted deep relaxation, while restoring my flow of energy along the meridian lines. Stepping outside, the soothing sounds of rippling water add a notch to my thoroughly recharged state-of-mind and make me feel completely realigned, replenished and completely at peace to everything agog.

Overall impression
A calm descends as I sip on my fragrant ginger-infused tea and make my way languidly past the lagoons that surround the outdoor reception area. Along with that, a realization that I have to depart the next morning kicks off in me which leaves me with jitters of returning to the city. However, I feel grateful for discovering this property which boasts of polite and immensely punctual staff, impeccable gastronome delights, a beachy blast and a soothing spa escape. The next morning, as I walk around the property before departing, a tropical island breeze floats in from Bophut Beach across the resort’s gardens and lotus-covered lagoons to descend on the sanctuary that is Anantara Bophut and I smile with an air of finality as I leave from what I call the heartland of good life!